Côte D’Ivoire, a nation with beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, lively nightlife, your typical archetype for the perfect West African journey. When many think of vacationing in West Africa, it is often Ghana, Senegal, Gambia or Cape Verde that get placed high up on travelers lists. But Cote D’Ivoire has some micro-destinations that will give you the relaxation or adventure you are looking for. Here are top 5 destinations within Cote D’Ivoire you have to see:
Grand Bassam
- Grand Bassam is a popular beach town in Cote D’Ivoire. Grand Bassam is about a 30-40 minute drive from Abidjan. The beauty I see at Grand Bassam is there is a mix of an upcoming creative community of artists from diverse backgrounds reclaiming this historic cultural center and breathing new life into it. That also means, a good night out is always on the positive side. It is home to colonial headquarters in past history and there are plenty of museum tours available. Grand Bassam is a perfect destination for those who are looking to do more slow travel experiences.
2. Assinie
Assinie is a beautiful destination if you are looking for luxury meets West Africa’s beaches.Asinine is about a 1 hour drive from Abidjan. I would highly recommend this destination for romantic getaways for our honeymoon and anniversary couples. There are plenty of stylish boutique resorts up and down Assine that offer all the Western luxury experiences you are looking for similar to places like Ibiza and Miami. Many affluent Ivorians enjoy their stay in Assine and it is one of top destinations with plenty of domestic patrons.
3. Monogaga
Monogaga is a hidden paradise in the southern western part of Cote D’Ivoire. Here you will definitely find blue waters and light brown sand. Monogaga is a great place for those who are looking for more aquatic adventures as it is great for surfing and sports fishing. Monogaga is about a 7 hour drive from Abidjan and most people in Cote D’Ivoire highly recommend taking a domestic flight there. Air Cote D’Ivoire has got you covered. Since you are so far out, you can check nearby mini destinations like Ssandrandra and San Pedro. Monogaga is a perfect destination for group travels such as family or niche collectives.
4. Bouake
Bouake is one of the important cities to Akan culture and history in West Africa. It is also a very close gateway to the Savanna region. It’s about 3-4 hours away from Abidjan and an hour and half from the capital, Yamoussoukro. The road to Bouake is pretty good I must say. The most famous tourist activity to do in Bouake is N’zi River lodge, a niche game reserve. You can camp the old fashioned way or in luxury, N’zi River Lodge has all that you need for a good time in Bouake. Who knows what animals you might run into. Therefore, for my safari lovers, Cote D’Ivoire has a unique experience to try out.
5.Man
Man is a city in western part of Cote D’Ivoire. This destination is perfect for nature lovers as there are many waterfalls, mountain climbing experiences. Also, Man is popular for its monkey forest and their cathedral, Roman Catholic Diocese of Man. You will not be short of amazement with these beautiful destinations with Man.
Cote D’Ivoire is nothing short of amazement. From their long beautiful coastlines, to their mountains and waterfalls, to their robust food and nightlife, to their diverse cultural experiences, Cote D’Ivoire is a destination worth looking into. If you are looking for assistance such as transportation, accommodation and tour guides on the ground, Virtual Nomads has got you covered. We are happy to ensure your experience in Cote D’Ivoire goes beyond what you expected.
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